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There are chances that the new Cabinet which will be formed soon will have names of new faces from all three parties and a few seniors will be given rest and asked to work for the alliance.
Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde (Source: X/@mieknathshinde)
As Maharashtra waits for clarity on its Chief Minister and cabinet formation, a new strategy by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is creating ripples in political circles. Sources suggest that senior leaders may face exclusion in favour of younger MLAs in the upcoming cabinet of Mahayuti. This move is part of the BJP’s plan to infuse fresh energy into the government and prepare for future elections.
After the discussion for CM post candidate, the trio (Devendra Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde) is likely to discuss the names of cabinet ministers from their parties who will take oath along with CM and Deputy CM. Post Lok Sabha elections, the BJP central leadership had presented a report to the trio and had expressed the need to change them. But considering the debacle in Lok Sabha polls, it was not done. Sources have said that in this list, the names of a few senior leaders were also included. Hence, there are chances that the new Cabinet which will be formed soon will have names of new faces from all three parties and a few seniors will be given rest and asked to work for the alliance or for their respected parties by their leaders.
Reports indicate that the BJP is considering a policy to prioritise MLAs under the age of 50 for ministerial positions. This move is reportedly aimed at aligning the government with the aspirations of younger voters while ensuring a strong performance in the next election.
This development has created anxiety among senior MLAs, many of whom fear losing their ministerial berths. Political insiders suggest that BJP plans to leverage this new approach to build a more dynamic Cabinet, balancing experience with youthful energy.
Ajit Pawar has already arrived in Delhi, while Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde are expected to reach by late afternoon. The meeting will discuss the Chief Minister’s position, cabinet portfolio distribution, and the formula for power-sharing among the BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and Ajit Pawar’s NCP. According to preliminary discussions, the Mahayuti alliance’s cabinet distribution formula could follow a 21-12-10 split. The BJP is expected to claim 20-25 ministerial positions, followed by 10-12 for the Shinde faction, and 7-9 for the Ajit Pawar camp.
The uncertainty around cabinet formation has led to a flurry of activity at the official residence of Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai. Over the past two days, several MLAs from the Mahayuti alliance have visited Fadnavis to lobby for ministerial berths. Intense competition is reportedly underway, with many vying for coveted portfolios. On Thursday, a few leaders of NCP had also visited Delhi and met Ajit Pawar to lobby for themselves. Newly elected MLAs of Shiv Sena are also consciously coming to meet Eknath Shinde at his residence in Thane. The MLAs’ anxiety has heightened with speculation that a significant number of senior leaders could be excluded from the Cabinet.
BJP’s focus on younger faces is viewed as a strategic shift aimed at fostering new leadership while consolidating voter support among younger demographics.
Political analysts believe the BJP’s decision to prioritise younger leaders reflects a calculated strategy to secure a stronger foothold in Maharashtra’s political landscape. By giving greater representation to MLAs under 50, the party aims to project a progressive image and prepare for long-term electoral gains. The final decision on the Chief Minister and cabinet composition is expected to be announced after tonight’s meeting. The state is watching closely as this high-stakes negotiation unfolds in Delhi.
